The veteran crooner has a career spanning over 50 years, but is absolutely blown away by the 'Someone Like You' singer, and thinks she is one of the greatest he's ever heard.

He told radio station Magic 105.4: ''I like Adele as a singer myself, I think she is one of the best I've ever heard you know, so easy going and puts on a great performance.

''She's inspired so many people, I mean with her performance, her style of writing and everything. I mean she's stepped right out of the blue and hit every market there is around, so she's created a great deal of history in a very short space of time and deservedly so, she's very talented.''

Engelbert - who is representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest this Saturday (26.05.12), with the track Love Will Set You Free - is no stranger to rubbing shoulders with the stars, and told how legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix was once briefly in his group.

He added: ''Jimi, of course, was amazing because one day when my guitarist didn't show up he was like 'don't worry man, I'll play for you' so I've had Jimi Hendrix in my band.

''He was one of the greatest guitarists ever, ever. I mean when he played for me it was like three guitars rather than one. He was one of a kind.''